THE VYRNWY. 147 



on the eastern side of Plinlimmon, about half a 

 mile from the source of the Wye, whence it de- 

 scends, as a mountain torrent, eastward towards 

 the town of Llanidloes, under the name of Havren, 

 traversing the narrow valley called Glyn Havren. 

 In this early part of its course, it is joined by the 

 streams of the Bachwy and Glaslyn, all formed 

 by the waters of the numerous springs dispersed 

 in the surrounding mosses ; and, forming a junction 

 with the Clywedog near Llanidloes, it loses the 

 violence of its character, and, taking a north-easterly 

 direction, flows through a broad and pleasant 

 valley, by Newtown, receiving the waters of the 

 Mirol at Abermule, and of the Rhiw at Berriew, 

 or Aber-Rhiw ; besides smaller rivulets. It is after- 

 wards joined by the Vyrnwy. 



THE VYRNWY 



Has its source in two branches, one of which rises 

 in the vicinity of Bwlch y Vedven, near the confines 

 of Merionethshire, and flows east by Llanvair, where 

 it enters the Vale of Meivod ; and the other near 

 Llanwddyn, which runs eastward till it meets the 

 former branch atMathraval; after this junction 

 it is called the Vyrnwy. 



This river is at present, and has ever been 

 distinguished for the abundance, variety, and ex- 

 cellence of its fish salmon, trout, grayling, roach, 

 dace, pike, &c. &c. The epithet piscosus amnis 

 is peculiarly bestowed on it by the old chroniclers, 

 -a reputation which is also shared by its nu- 

 i 2 



